First Pieces of Facade Installed for DVC Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

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November 13, 2023

The first pieces of the exterior facade have been added to the Polynesian Village DVC Tower

Construction on the new DVC Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort continues to move forward full-steam ahead. We recently captured some updated photos from the ferry that appear to show the first pieces of exterior facade being added to the tower.

The area around the balcony on the lower left side of the building appears to have the first pieces of the exterior facade added.

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The facade elements are more apparent in this zoomed-in photo. From the distance, we are unable to tell if the area has had facade pieces installed or if the concrete has just been painted. The updates do give you an idea of what the base colors of the resort will be when completed.

The update does match the artist’s rendering of the new tower, which shows wood highlights around the balconies as they overlook Bay Lake.

With each passing day, the vision for this new addition to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort comes closer to reality, promising future guests an immersive and enchanting experience true to the resort’s unique theme and charm. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting project continues to unfold!

Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!

New Alice In Wonderland Holiday Loungefly Collection Available Now!

By

Ana Leal

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November 13, 2023

New Alice In Wonderland Holiday Loungefly Collection Available Now!

Enjoy a wonder of adventures, in character, wherever you go with the new Alice In Wonderland Holiday Loungefly Collection! It features a convertible tote bag, as well as, a really fun crossbody bag and matching wallet that will help you achieve a wonderful style!

Alice In Wonderland Villains Convertible Backpack & Tote Bag

This tote bag features a silhouette of the Red Queen and artwork of Alice and the White Rabbit on front pocket. The Card Soldiers carry through on the side pockets, and on the back, you’ll find Alice’s shadow, bending forward. The top of the tote back zips closed as well to secure all your belongings, and black straps allow you to convert this roomy tote into a backpack.

Alice in Wonderland White Rabbit Cosplay Crossbody Bag

This charming bag is covered in soft white sherpa fabric in honor of Disney’s White Rabbit. His applique ears stick up over the top, and on the flap, you’ll find applique scalloped blue trim from his outfit. Below the flap, you’ll see the Red Queen’s signature heart, which the White Rabbit wears as part of his costume, and on either side, fields of glittery red.

This crossbody bag also comes with a pocket watch coin bag for securing smaller items on all your journeys. The coin bag attaches with a gold chain, and the applique hands on the clock move on a rivet. On the white applique with the heart on the front panel, there’s an extra drop pocket for storing the pocket watch coin bag. On the back, the words “I’m late, I’m late!” appear.

Alice in Wonderland White Rabbit Cosplay Zip Around Wallet

This fun wallet is inspired by the White Rabbit and features white sherpa, a blue applique scalloped ruffle and the Red Queen’s signature heart. On the back, the blue “ruffle” from his outfit and the Red Queen symbol carry through. Inside, you’ll find four slots for holding cards and one clear slot for displaying your ID. A die-cut shape of a heart, on the clear ID holder, adds a signature touch.

Credit: Loungefly

New Disney Christmas Ornaments At Magic Kingdom!

By

Ana Leal

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November 13, 2023

New Disney Christmas Ornaments At Magic Kingdom!

These Disney Christmas Ornaments will add extra magic and enchantment to your Christmas tree this year! Magic Kingdom, as well as, shopDisney have a big variety of ornaments to choose from so we are sure you will find some that go with your style, take a look at the ones we found on our recent visit:

If you like neutral colors, these ornaments are for you! A Minnie Mouse Rose Gold With Gems Ornament will give your tree an extra elegant touch, you can also get the Mickey Mouse Rose Gold Ornament and even a Mickey Mouse Geodesic Ornament that looks gorgeous!

By the way, if you get them online right now, you can get them for a special price of $16 each!

Now, if you prefer bold colors in your tree, check out the Mickey Mouse Peppermint Ornament, Mickey Mouse Ombre Ornament in pink and blue, Mickey Mouse Floral Green Ornament, Mickey Mouse Tile & Macrame Ornament, and Minnie and Mickey Red Sequin Ornaments. Some of them are also available online at shopDisney for $16.

For those who prefer character ornaments, we found Mickey Mouse shaped ornaments inspired in classic characters like Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Chip & Dale, Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan and Tinker Bell! They are adorable!

Finally, you can’t go wrong with this Walt Disney World Ornament with Cinderella Castle in the middle and the rest of the theme park icons in the background. Super cute!

You can take a closer look at them in our Instagram post:

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Gingerbread Cinderella Castle Celebrates Disney100 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

By

Sara

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November 13, 2023

Gingerbread Cinderella Castle Celebrates Disney100 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

On Friday the Gingerbread Cinderella Castle officially opened to guests for the 2023 Holiday Season and we were on hand for this momentous celebration.

Designer and Head Pastry Chef Jeff Barnes was there to share with us how much fun his team has designing this fan-favorite Gingerbread House at Walt Disney World.

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We were even lucky enough to meet and talk to the 2 new Walt Disney Ambassadors Serena Arvizu and Shannon Smith-Conrad. They are both wonderful to talk to and are excited to be a part of the Walt Disney World Ambassador Program!

As always the Gingerbread display at Disney’s Contemporary Resort does not disappoint. Before you even make it over to its location (behind BVG) the smell of Gingerbread fills the air. Be sure to look for all of the hidden Mickey’s, along with a special surprise the 5 legged goat! We will give you a hint look up.

Here is a closer look at the Gingerbread Cinderella Castle:

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While you are there checking out this amazing display be sure to pick up some treats to eat there (like we did) or to take home with you. Chef Jeff and his team have a TON of festive Holiday treats for you to eat.

Here is a look at all of them for sale:

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We have more photos from the Grand Opening of the Gingerbread Cinderella Castle at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Special thank you to Disney for inviting us out to the Grand Opening!

Merry Menagerie Returns to Disney’s Animal Kingdom for 2023 Holiday Season

By

Chris B

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November 13, 2023

Disney’s Animal Kingdom has brought back the Merry Menagerie for this holiday season

The holiday season is officially in full swing at Walt Disney World Resort. Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park is once again decked out for the holidays. As part of the seasonal decorations and experiences, the park has brought back the super fun Merry Menagerie!

The Merry Menagerie is a seasonal spectacle that invites guests to join in on an interactive holiday experience. Disney artisans have meticulously handcrafted life-sized animal puppets that are animated by skilled performers. These amazing creatures roam around the Discovery Island area, interacting with guests and creating an immersive atmosphere that feels like stepping into a storybook.

Have you experienced the Merry Menagerie at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Leave us a comment to tell us all about your experience!

Photos by Our Friend Mary M.

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Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!

Universal Orlando Opens Holiday Shop at Orlando International Airport

By

Chris B

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November 13, 2023

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Travelers utilizing Orlando International Airport Can Snag Some Fun Gifts at the Universal Orlando Opens Holiday

Universal Orlando is continuing the trend of seasonal shops at Orlando International Airport. After the Halloween Horror Nights-themed store was a big hit, the Central Florida theme park has launched a Holiday Shop at MCO!

If you are traveling out of MCO, you can find the shop on Level 3, Terminal B, Pre-Security (Gates 70-129). The shop, which is open each day from 7 am-9 pm, stocks a variety of holiday gifts that you would normally need to travel to the park to pick up.

The store heavily features the fan-favorite Earl the Squirrel, who also appears on a ton of merch this holiday season.

Earl has apparently gotten into a bit of mischief while opening the store, as the wiring box above demonstrates.

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The holiday shop will only be around for a limited time, so be sure to stop by and check it out before it is gone!

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Ready to book your next epic vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Universal Orlando vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Universal destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Universal vacation package through me!

Fantasmic Returning to Disneyland on May 24th

By

Sara

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November 13, 2023

Fantasmic Returning to Disneyland on May 24th

Disney has finally shared a return date for Fantasmic! at the Disneyland Resort! The nighttime spectacular has been on hiatus since the Maleficent dragon caught on fire on April 22, 2023. Now, we know when we will get to experience the show again.

After the fire incident, Disneyland cast members were told the show would be closed at least through Memorial Day. That date was pushed back several times. Once to Labor Day, and then finally to spring of 2024.

Now, Disney has officially announced that Fantasmic! will be returning on May 24, 2024! Even though the show is returning, the dragon figure will not be a part of the show next spring. Disney previously shared that when the show does return there will be plenty of exciting new special effects as well as a thrilling new finale between Sorcerer Mickey and Maleficent.

Do you enjoy watching Fantasmic! when you visit Disneyland?

If you’d like to plan your next visit to the Disneyland Resort, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.

Minnie’s Seasonal Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine

By

Sara

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November 13, 2023

Minnie’s Seasonal Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine

Minnie’s Seasonal Holiday Dine has returned to Hollywood & Vine in Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Guests can deck the halls at a dazzling dinner party filled with holiday cheer and the joy of the season. Special characters celebrate with you at this dining event!

Minnie Mouse is the hostess of this seasonal dining event. She wears a sparkly red dress, bow, and shoes that are perfect for the holiday season! Her beau, Mickey Mouse, joins her at the party wearing white slacks, a green and blue striped shirt, and red jacket.

Minnie and Mickey aren’t the only characters at the event! Pluto and Goofy join them as well. Pluto wears a festive collar and red reindeer antlers while Goofy is dressed as Father Christmas, Santa Claus himself! We absolutely love Santa Goofy!

Characters will stop for pictures but for autographs, guests are given a pre-signed card. One side shows Minnie Mouse decorating a Christmas tree while the other side features the dining experience logo and the character’s signatures.

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Minnie’s Seasonal Holiday Dine is available now through January 4, 2024, and is offered during lunch and dinner. It is a buffet that offers an array of salads and delicious chilled starters. Entrees include roasted mushroom farro risotto, macaroni & cheese with shrimp and bacon, as well as protein selections featuring oven-roasted chicken, herb-crusted tenderloin steak, salmon and crispy pork belly.

Reservations are highly recommended!

Ready to plan your next visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Contact me for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation!

Photo Credit – Our Friend Mary M

Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll is back for 2023

By

Sara

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November 13, 2023

Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll is back for 2023

The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll has returned for this holiday season! Now through December 30, 2023, guests visiting the shopping district can discover elaborately themed Christmas trees. We visited recently and checked out quite a few of the trees and other festive flora.

If you’d like to experience the Christmas Tree Stroll, pick up a complimentary map highlighting the location of each sparkling Christmas tree. Then, be on the lookout for beautifully decorated Christmas trees as you explore Disney Springs. As you discover each tree, match the corresponding sticker to the location on your map.

Once you’ve found them all, take your map to one of the map pickup locations for a special surprise! You can pick up a map at the following locations:

City Works Eatery & Pour House
Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers
Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company
The LEGO Store
Planet Hollywood

The trees feature all kinds of themes and decorations! Above is the Annual Passholder tree, Disney Vacation Club tree, Town Center tree, and Disney+ tree.

There are also trees themed to some of our favorite Disney movies and park attractions! Take a look at the gorgeous Coco tree, enchanting Encanto tree, beautiful Frozen tree, awesome Guardians of the Galaxy tree, and frightfully fun Haunted Mansion tree.

Other trees in Disney Springs are themed to classic Disney movies, Pixar films, and even the newest animated movie coming later this month! We saw The Lion King tree, Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse tree, Moana tree, The Nightmare Before Christmas tree, Princess & the Frog tree, Toy Story Tree, and the new Wish tree.

In celebration of the new Disney Cruise Line ship coming next year you can also see a topiary of the Disney Treasure!

To add some extra magic to this year’s Christmas Tree Stroll, some trees interact with MagicBand+.

Enjoy a jolly sight at The Nightmare Before Christmas tree. Simply make a circular gesture near the tree to experience the magic.

Plus, look for these trees across Disney Springs and use your MagicBand+ for a colorful surprise:

Encanto
Frozen
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse
Town Center
Wish

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Will you be heading to Disney Springs to experience the Christmas Tree Stroll?

If you’d like to give the gift of a Disney trip this holiday season, contact me today! I’m a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you put a Disney vacation under the tree.

First Look at the New Menus at Tiffins Restaurant and Nomad Lounge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By

Sara

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November 13, 2023

First Look at the New Menus at Tiffins Restaurant and Nomad Lounge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Tiffins Restaurant and Nomad Lounge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom have received new menus! Multiple new items are available starting today, November 13.

Champurrado Chocolate Bar (Available at Tiffins Restaurant)
White Chocolate Orange Crème Brûlée (Available at Tiffins Restaurant)
Grilled Chicken Satay (Available at Nomad Lounge)
Cardamom Spiced Veal (Available at Tiffins Restaurant)

Shrimp & Grits (Available at Tiffins Restaurant)
Korean Barbecue Oyster Mushroom Bao Bun (Available at Tiffins Restaurant and Nomad Lounge)
Pineapple Glazed Pork Belly (Available at Tiffins Restaurant and Nomad Lounge)

These new food items are sure to take your taste buds on an adventure!

Tiffins Restaurant and Nomad Lounge are located on Discovery Island in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Reservations are highly recommended for Tiffins Restaurant!

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Are you looking forward to trying the new menus at Tiffins Restaurant and Nomad Lounge?

If you’d like to plan your next visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.

Snow is Expected in Downtown Disney for the Holiday Season

By

Sara

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November 12, 2023

Snow is Expected in Downtown Disney for the Holiday Season

For the first time ever, snow is going to fall in Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort this holiday season! Along with holiday shopping, dining, and entertainment, guests can enjoy a magical, seasonal experience.

With a bit of Disney magic, “snow” is scheduled to fall every night in select areas of the Disneyland Park. “Snow” is also scheduled to fall in the Downtown Disney District nightly every half hour from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. between Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio and Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes starting Nov. 24 through Dec. 31.

In addition to holiday shopping and dining in the Downtown Disney District, guests can groove to a variety of “mistle-toe-tapping” live musical performances on select evenings. On some nights at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disneyland Hotel, live entertainment, including handbell and holiday carolers, creates a wonderfully cozy atmosphere.

Are you looking forward to experiencing “snow” in Downtown Disney this holiday season?

If you’d like to plan your next Disney holiday trip, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.

Celebrate Christmas on the High Seas on Disney Cruise Line with New Popcorn Buckets and More

By

Sara

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November 12, 2023

Celebrate Christmas on the High Seas on Disney Cruise Line with New Popcorn Buckets and More

The holidays haven’t just arrived at the Disney theme parks. Guests can celebrate Christmas on the high seas as well! Disney Cruise Line is offering some specialty holiday popcorn buckets, stateroom decor, and more to help get guests into the holiday spirit!

Two new holiday popcorn buckets are available on select sailings this holiday season! The Gold Musical Rotating Tin and the Mickey Mouse Toy Soldier Bucket are both available to guests at Preludes onboard.

Wanting to add some holiday decor to your stateroom? Disney has you covered! The Season’s Greetings room decor is $118 and includes:

“This merry room decor gift set includes a “Goofy on deck” bendable plush, a cozy holiday blanket with some of your favorite Disney pals, a Mickey Mouse-shaped pillow with a sewn-in advent calendar (includes a stick to mark the date), 2 felt ceiling banners with removable felt ornaments and a handy storage bin.”

Disney Cruise Line also offers two Christmas tree options for your stateroom: Christmas Tree and Disney Cruise Line Nautical Christmas Tree. The regular Christmas tree is 21″ tall, adorned with white mums, red berries, mini-carnations and a snowflake topper, and is $145. The Nautical Christmas tree is 21″ tall, adorned with white mums, red berries, mini-carnations, a snowflake topper and some seafaring Disney characters, and is $160.

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Will you be sailing with Disney Cruise Line this holiday season?

If you’d like to plan your next Disney cruise, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I would love to help you plan a magical vacation.